Overview
Develop a scholarly approach to dental education and gain the expertise necessary for effective clinical education in your educational role.
The PG Certificate in Dental Education provides dental professionals with a flexible and practice-based opportunity to enhance educational practice, skills and knowledge. This course is designed for dental professionals aspiring to be clinical supervisors in undergraduate and/or postgraduate programmes, Foundation Dental Supervisors and Therapist Educational Supervisors. Current clinical and Educational Supervisors may also want to build on their skills and qualifications.
The course is accredited by the Academy of Medical Educators
As a student, you’ll benefit from 125 years of dental education in Newcastle. We are one of the largest and best-equipped dental schools in the UK.
The programme is structured to combine a blend of:
- online learning
- on-campus study days
- guided independent study
Find out more in our School of Dental Sciences postgraduate taught programmes brochure.
Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
What you’ll learn
The programme provides opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate:
- knowledge and understanding
- qualities
- skills
- other attributes
You’ll learn to:
- use theories and principles underpinning clinical education to inform your own educational practice and the practice of others
- relate educational issues in clinical practice to a wider educational context
- critically appraise theory, ‘evidence’ and empirical data as well as your own practice
- take a strategic approach to your own identified educational needs and plan appropriately to address these needs
- design and deliver educational interventions
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Teaching and Learning in the Dental Workplace | 20 |
| Teaching and Learning in the Classroom | 20 |
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Understanding Programmes of Learning | 20 |
| Current Educational Issues | 20 |
How you’ll learn
You’ll learn alongside a range of clinical staff through a blend of:
- online learning
- on-campus study days
- post-study day support
You’ll learn through a mixture of:
- lectures
- small group discussions
- classroom and online exercises
Students gradually develop these intellectual skills by carrying out work-based projects, reflecting on their practice with online tutorial support.
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Essay
- Report
- Reflective log
- Written exercise
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You’ll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Dr Heidi Bateman – Senior Lecturer in Dental Education
The team involved in delivery of the programme has extensive experience in clinical education and delivery in a dental setting.
Your future
This course will support you to progress as a clinical supervisor, Foundation Dental Supervisor or Therapist Educational Supervisor.
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 100 for Dentistry – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 100 for Medical and Health – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024Â
- Top 90 for Life Sciences and Medicine – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
The School of Dental Sciences at Newcastle is one of the most modern and best equipped in the country. We have a spacious, purpose-built facility in the same building as the Dental Hospital. We’re also next to the Medical School and Royal Victoria Infirmary teaching hospital. We are one of the largest integrated teaching and hospital complexes in the country.
Read more about the School of Dental Sciences at Newcastle University
Our facilities include:
- a cone beam CT scanner and implant planning software, used extensively for patients treated on our implant programmes
- in-house production laboratories providing excellent learning opportunities around clinician-technician communication
- excellent library and computing facilities on-site.
- research laboratories in Oral Biology, Anthropology and Dental Materials Science
- a dedicated clinical research facility offering clinical training and research opportunities of the highest international standard
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A relevant primary dental degree (such as a BDS, BChD, DDS, or international equivalent), or a 2.1 Bachelor (Hons) degree (or international-equivalent) in Dental Hygiene and/or Dental Therapy.
